Self-sealing instantaneous-opening envelope



May 20,1924.-

A. B. OGDEN ET AL,

SELF SEALING INSTANTAN EOUS OPENING ENVELOPE Filed Feb. 28. 1922 5 .1. 1 g, f i i .A i C iyE A H AM. A A a p WCSYTAMP .D

Patented May 20, 1924. i

, UNHTED STATES ARNOLD B. OGDEN AND 'ERVIN wILLiAM WEIGAND, or :rnrrnnson olrxiurssounr.

PATENT oFFrc'e,

SELF-SEALIN G Illl'STANTANEOU S-OPENING ENVELOPE.

Application filed February 28, 1922. Serial n9. 540,057.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, ARNOLD B. OGDEN and ERVIN WILLIAM WEIGAND, citizens of the United S-tates,.and residing at Jefferson City, county of Cole, and State of Missouri, have invented a new and useful Self-Sealing Instantaneous-Opening Envelope, construction of which the following is the speci fication.

Our invention relates to a new form of envelope produced by a combination of flaps and referred to as a selfsealing, instantaneous opening envelope to be used for all classes of mail handled through the United States mails, on which. a postage stamp is used.

The envelope is so constructed that it can be made with a less amount of material than the usual and ordinary envelope, and after its manufacture same can be sealed without application of mucilage or other adhesives, except by the application of a postage stamp over a locking device provided for that purpose. These objects are attained by manufacturing the envelope in its completed form which leaves the one end open with main flap extended and ready forthe insertion of mail matter; after the insertion of mail mat-Q ter the main flap is closed over into its natural position and the application of an ordinary postage stamp seals the letter so it cannot be reopened without the removal of the postage stamp, and at the same time affords a means by which the envelope may be instantaneously opened by taking hold of that portion or projection of the main flap which extend from beneath the postage stamp, thereby eliminating the necessity of using a knife or other instrument to open the envelope.

We attain these objects by the combination flaps illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which t Figure 1., shows the material laid, out after being cut and before being folded.

Figure 2, shows the envelope with body complete, and open at one end for the reception of mail, main flap extended.

Figure 3, shows the combination flaps of.

the envelope placed in position and ready to aiiix stamp.

Figure 4, shows the envelope closed and sealed with the postage stamp afiixed.

Figure 5, shows the form and back of the envelope, with body flaps sea-led. Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views. a

sert letter or mail matter at right end of envelope. The process of closing is performed by turning main closing flap A to the left and laying the lower section of this flap A under lower right hand edge of section B where it fits into a V shaped incision at the center of right hand edge of section B preparedfor this purpose; this permits,

the upper portion of main. flap A with its projection or neck to layover the upper right hand part of section B, where the projection orneck fits automatically under the interlocking flaps A.

These flaps are produced by a double incision made near the upper right hand corner of the surface of envelope, with a cross incision therein forming two small flaps, which will have been pressed out before closing the letter; then close these flaps A,

down over the projection or neck of main flap A to hold it firmly in position.

Then by placing the postage stamp over these interlocking flaps A, so that the edge of the postage stamp will be on the line.

with the left edge of the interlocking flaps and adhering to the surface of flaps A,

main flap: A and section B effectually selfseals the envelope without mucilage, and] the projection or neck of main closing flap A which permits it to extend beyond and to the left of the postage stamp affords a.

means of instantaneously opening the envelope.

l/Ve are aware that prior to ourinvention and at the present time, envelopes are being constructed of paper cut in a shape; that af ter being folded three flaps lay over and are sealed together on the back side and forms a receptacle for mail matter, leaving the one flap on. upper back side of envelope mucilaged and free to seal the receptacle, after insertion of mail matter. j

We do not claim to have invented the manner of making the pouch or main recep mole of the envelope, but the peculiar means in the other of said Walls and adapted to by which the envelope is closed, sealed and overlie the projection of the flap when the opened; and to this end flap is folded over said well to close the en- 10 We claim: velope. 5 An envelope having front and back walls,

ARNOLD B. OGDEN. I

a flap extending from one of said Walls, said flap having a projection, small flaps formed ERVIN WILLIAM WEIGAN D. 

